By Charlie Young, contributing writer
As St. Patrick Parade Days go in CNY, this was one of the better weather days in the event’s 42-year history. A little cloudy, temps in the 40’s on Salina Street, but it’s always warm and bright a stone’s throw away in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. That’s where the annual pre-parade Mass takes place, and the church was almost full.
Grand Marshalls Dave Lynch (left) and Marty Cahill
Co-grand marshals Marty Cahill and David Lynch took the usual front pew seats reserved for such dignitaries, along with Gael of the Year Lauren Kochian.
Remaining pews filled in quickly with Hibernians, fellow Irish folk and Irish wannabes. All were welcome.
Among them was a group visiting from Parkrose Estates in Liverpool. “This is our first time!” Jill Janowski shared, explaining that some residents have attended previous parades, but this was the first group outing to the annual event. “We definitely try to get them out in the community, to support everything that’s going on local. Absolutely.” Janowski accompanied the group from the assisted living facility to support fellow resident Elizabeth Lyons, one of the harpists who provided beautiful music for the liturgy.
Humor helps with the troubles
Jill Janowski accompanied a visiting group from Parkrose Estates
Bishop Douglas J. Lucia concelebrated Mass along with Father Tom Ryan, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Fayetteville and Father Kevin Maloney, pastor of St. Charles-St. Ann Church and St. Patrick-St. Brigid Churches. Father Maloney’s homily touched on the faith of the Irish people and their love of humor to cope with the world’s troubles.
“We’ve had plenty of hardships to suffer through, but the Irish people use humor, laughter to lighten the mood to pick themselves up, remind us that life was good, especially when things get tough,” he shared. “Irish reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously. To get through difficult times by going to laughter is one of the best medicines.”
Father also touched on the advice of St. Peter who “instructs us to be hospitable to one another without complaining.” Father repeated these words for emphasis, adding “that’s why I’m pretty sure Jesus must have been Irish because Irish hospitality is second to none. Along with humor, the Irish are great people of hospitality and faith.”
A long, happy history
The Tom Dooley Choraliers
Syracuse Common Councilor Pat Hogan read the names of the deceased members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians during the Mass’s universal prayer. “I’ve been blessed in my 53-year career, working for the city of Syracuse, and I was in charge of special events and was on the first St. Patrick’s committee with Nancy Duffy, and a bunch of crazy people that decided to have a St. Patrick’s Day parade in the city of Syracuse.” Hogan represents the famous Tipperary Hill neighborhood, “which is a very diverse neighborhood, but Irish in character. And I find that the melding together of all these different neighborhoods has been a great thing for the city of Syracuse and its citizens.”
One member of Jill Janowski’s Parkrose group shared what they love most about St. Patrick’s Day. “It’s Irish,” she simply stated, adding that “I love the music. I love the people.”
And as Bishop Lucia imparted the final blessing, the sun came out and shone through the Cathedral’s stained-glass windows. And then the party started.
